tattered 1 of 2

adjective

ˈta-tərd How to pronounce tattered (audio)
Definition of tatterednext
1
as in ragged
wearing torn or worn-out clothes arrived at the shelter tattered and exhausted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in faded
worn or torn into or as if into rags a hobo in tattered old clothes and worn-out shoes

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tattered

2 of 2

verb

past tense of tatter
as in ripped
to cause (something) to separate into jagged pieces by violently pulling at it the little boy tattered that blanket beyond repair by repeatedly yanking on it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tattered
Adjective
Tying an Italian surname to the Outfit has become a tattered badge of honor in the antiquated newsroom of certain outlets with truth thrown to the curb. — Gary Grasso, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 His main challenge will be to overcome Starmer's inability to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living. — ABC News, 27 June 2026 Nichols organized a day where 26 volunteers came together to replace American tattered and torn flags with brand new ones, including David and Sue Hornbrook's torn flag. — Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 15 June 2026 On the other hand, Dunaway and her tart-talking sidekick, Brenda Vaccaro, seem to be having the time of their lives as mistresses of the shades of darkness (their ramshackle abode is a funhouse Ghost Train ride festooned with skeletons, spiders and tattered netting). — Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tattered
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tattered
  1. ragged
  2. faded
  3. ripped
  4. frayed
  5. tore
  6. shredded
Adjective
  • This leaves ragged and bruised leaf tips behind that quickly turn brown and are more susceptible to disease.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
  • His hushed, ragged whisper feels suitably weathered, fitting a collection of songs that never are in a hurry.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
Definition of ragged
Adjective
  • Eric_Lynxweiler | Courtesy of Latinos in Heritage Conservation The Silver Platter, with its faded crimson awning along a stretch in Los Angeles’ Westlake District, doesn’t look like much from the outside.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The faded fabric, buttery-soft cotton, and contrast-trim neckline lend it a vintage vibe that won’t look out of place when paired with more contemporary pieces.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026
Definition of faded
Verb
  • Lamine Yamal, with the ball bouncing inside the box, spun and ripped a shot that Austria's goalkeeper just stopped for a corner kick.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
  • The statement also ripped Shipnuck for citing a source in which Mickelson's wife, Amy, played a role in his departures from clubs.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of ripped
Adjective
  • The post-World War II liberal consensus is badly frayed and may well implode.
    — Wendell Wallach, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026
  • The memento, sourced from a Salvation Army, does show some signs of use in the film, including staining, frayed fringe, and some loose threads.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 June 2026
Definition of frayed
Verb
  • Bigger and bigger crowds flocked down here as Mexico tore through the Cup before its face-off against England, with many coming from outside Santa Ana.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Later, Gabriel tore Haaland’s shirt, the light-blue fabric trailing in the breeze as the pair chased a loose ball.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of tore
Verb
  • An online version of the ad reviewed by The Star features a copy of the Missouri Constitution being shredded.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
  • The leaves can be used whole or shredded; they are often torn to release their oils during cooking and then removed before serving the dish.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
Definition of shredded

Browse Nearby Words

tatterdemalion
tattered
tattering
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Cite this Entry

“Tattered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tattered. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tattered

Nglish: Translation of tattered for Spanish Speakers

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